Blagojevich Will Try to Fire Ryan's Midnight Appointees

Springfield, IL – Rod Blagojevich is expected today to reverse some of former Governor George Ryan's last-minute appointments to various state jobs.

Even though the jobs are considered safe from dismissal, Blagojevich could still fire those people and let them challenge the action in court.

After taking the oath of office yesterday, the new Governor informed the audience that the state's fiscal crisis is not the $2-3 billion that's been predicted, but rather more around $5 billion.

One of Blagojevich's first actions as Governor was to fire Scott Fawell, a former aide to Ryan who's on trial for his suspected part in the licenses for bribes scandal.

Fawell was on leave from his job running Chicago's Navy Pier. According to the Chicago Tribune, a letter was faxed to Fawell reading simply: "Effective immediately, you are hereby terminated as the chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority. Sincerely, Rod R. Blagojevich. Governor."